Where it all Started

Where it all started

Our origin story lies with Australia and Sir Arthur Stephenson’s simple desire to revolutionise the potential of hospital establishments. His passion founded the company in 1922, amalgamating the exactitude of the engineering team with the splendour of the architectural field. His unwavering commitment and tireless work in the field saw him receive the honour of a knighthood in 1954, followed by the internationally acclaimed RIBA Gold Medal in 1964.

“Landmark buildings in Melbourne include the MCG’s Members’ Stand and Long Room, Jessie McPherson Community Hospital, Mercy Hospital, Freemasons Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital, Royal Banking Chambers of the E. S. & A. Bank, Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Building, and the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Their Sydney buildings are equally impressive, with the United Dental Hospital and the IBM Centre redefining the city’s architecture. Stephenson&Turner also worked on several prominent projects as far afield as France, United States, Taiwan, Indonesia, Iraq and South Africa.” Phillip Goad, Australia Modern

The Centennial Exhibition of 1940 saw our venture into New Zealand with the modernist the Australian Pavillion, yet it was only in 1956 that the first office found solid ground.

“The practice is at its best when it follows the dictates of its Modernist philosophy... an approach to architecture that is functional, well-crafted and economical.”David Kernohan, The Architecture of Stephenson & Turner New Zealand – A Critique

S&T’s career has established icons. Shell House’s innovative glass and aluminium façade stands as an example of the 1960’s and the Zen-like simplicity of the BNZ Wellington echoes the trends of the 1980’s, while the PwC Tower in 2002 shows a shift in our sensibilities to energy saving solutions and respectful contribution to the existing cityscape. We are acutely aware that our work has long-term consequences and as such should be enterprises that stand the test of time. The University of Auckland Medical School, completed in 1974, exemplified S&T’s capacity for planning with endurance, being designed with an extensive construction period in mind and using minimal maintenance materials that would be readily available in the future. We are proud to be a part of shaping this country’s presence with the 20 year expansion plan for Auckland Airport giving us an opportunity like no other. Keeping design flexibility at the forefront, S&T melded a distinct New Zealand flavour in to every aspect of the build, with both the interior and exterior echoing the themes of coastlines and sea; sails and rigging.

Now in our 60th year, Zealand, we take a moment to reflect on our past and take stock of our present before looking onward to the future and its possibilities. To mark the occasion with due decorum, S&T will be celebrating a fresh new look that will pay tribute to what we have been and act as a blueprint for what we have to come.